The No. 7-rankedCU women(15-1, 6-1 Mid-South) struggled mightily in the second half, making just 4-of-17 shots to start the period. CU clung to a 46-43 advantage with 3:13 remaining before a pair of free throws by Briannica Tye and then a breakaway layup plus the foul shot from Davis gave the visitors some breathing room.

Cumberland hit 10-of-13 free throws in the final two minutes, including six straight by Cowan in the last 51.4 seconds, to pull away for the win. CU was 19-for-24 at the charity stripe for the game, an important part of the game, as UVA-Wise made just 17-for-31 at the foul line, 6-of-15 in the first half.

Tye scored all 11 of her points in the second half for the Bulldogs, including six consecutive points over a three-minute stretch midway through the half. Cumberland played without starters Jessica Pace (injury) and Josette Campbell (sickness) in the contest, a duo that averages almost 23 points and 13 rebounds per outing.

Chelsea Cluesman led the Cavaliers (5-11, 2-5) with 22 points and nine rebounds, including 16 points in the second half. Charlotte Reasor added 13 points and nine boards as well, but Wise was just 3-for-20 from 3-point range, hitting two of those in the final minute of the game.

CU was dominated on the glass by Wise, giving up 29 offensive rebounds, and allowing Deon Boyce of the Cavs to collect 24 rebounds of his own. The Bulldogs also struggled down the stretch with the basketball, committing 27 turnovers in the game.

Cumberland seemed to have control during regulation, leading by as many as 14 in both halves. The short-handed Bulldogs utilized all ten active players, with five playing more than 30 minutes each.

Gude contributed 12 points for the Bulldogs, while Towns tallied 10 points, six rebounds and five assists. Holt grabbed eight rebounds and Blackmon recorded six.

Cumberland continues its current four-game road swing Saturday at the University of Pikeville at 1 p.m. Central Time. The Bulldogs play next week at Lindsey Wilson and Campbellsville University before returning home January 24 to take on Pikeville.